News: Inmates Sue Over Changes in AZ Execution Procedures

AZcentral.com reports:


Three inmates on Arizona’s death row have sued the governor, the state corrections director and those who conduct executions, arguing that a new execution protocol violates their constitutional rights.


In a filing obtained by The Associated Press on Monday, the inmates’ attorneys argue that the new protocol — made public last month — gives too much discretion to Arizona Department of Corrections director Charles Ryan.


The protocol says that Ryan can decide with which and how many drugs to execute inmates and loosened requirements for those who inject the lethal drugs.


Before, everyone on Arizona’s execution team needed to have at least one year of current experience with starting intravenous lines. Now, the protocol says that those on the execution team need only have past experience starting IV lines and that Ryan can decide whether someone on the medical team is “appropriately trained.”


Corrections spokesman Bill Lamoreaux and governor spokesman Matt Benson could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.


“The Department of Corrections undid the constitutional protections that were built into the previous protocol and now gives total discretion to the director,” said Dale Baich, the attorney who represents one of the inmates.


The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Arizona on Monday, seeks to have two upcoming executions delayed as the litigation plays out.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2012/02/06/20120206arizona-inmates-sue-over-execution-protocol.html#ixzz1ldxyaHvY


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1. Do you think new laws give DOC Director Charles Ryan too much discretion regarding inmate execution procedures?
2. Do these new laws violate the United States constitutional guarantees to be free from cruel and unusual punishment? 

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